If you want to experience a high altitude trek and do not have much time on hand, try going to Bhrigu Lake. At 4,270m, Bhrigu can be reached in a day from Manali. It is possible to return on the same day though I would recommend you stay overnight. Bhrigu is a prominent lake of the Kullu region, located to the right (8 km south-east) of the Rohtang Pass. Legend holds that Bhrighu Rishi meditated here, and that many local gods of the Kullu Valley visit to take a dip in its sacred waters. Most prominent among them is Guru Vashisht, who travels to the lake at least once in a two- three-year cycle. He announces his plan to visit the lake about a month in advance through a medium. Elaborate preparations are made after that and many devotees accompany him on the trip.
Gulaba (photo by Grey cells)
Villagers of the area go to the lake every year on the 20th day of bhadon (August-September) as the day is considered auspicious. A natural forest of fir, spruce, moru and the higher altitude kharsu oak trees surrounds Gulaba, from where the trek starts. During the early 1960s, swatches of the forest were scheme. Later, fir, spruce, maple and poplar were planted and the latter, faster growing trees, are now dominant in these stretches. Carry all necessary provisions, including camping gear and food supplies, as nothing is available after you start walking from Gulaba, which boasts of a couple of tea shops.
DAY ONE
GULABA-BHRIGU LAKE DISTANCE 14 KM TIME 6-8 HOURS LEVEL MODERATE
The trail takes off at the 14th Mor to the right (east) from the road and starts climbing through forest and pasture. Horse chestnuts, spruce, fir and a few birch trees alternate with pastureland through the route, which climbs steeply. After a climb of nearly an hour one reaches a shepherd campsite on the crest of a ridge from where the track turns right and heads up south through a thick forest. Kolang Nallah can be seen from here and the path lies along the nallah through the narrow Kolang Valley. The path then descends right (south) to cross the Kolang Nallah over a temporary log bridge. (In case the bridge is washed away, the nallah can be forded easily.) After crossing the nallah there is a steep ascent south-east to a ridge (to the right of the Kolang Valley) that takes nearly 2 hrs.
Beyond the ridge is a camping ground where it is possible to find Gaddi shepherds with their large flocks of sheep. A little ahead to the east is the easily crossed Chor Nallah followed by a climb in an easterly direction to reach Bhrigu Lake. The climb is strenuous as it gains altitude quickly resulting in a drop in the temperature and levels of oxygen. So take your time, climbing slowly and steadily. Located almost at the top of the mountain, the lake is in the recess of two ridges and can only be seen when actually reached. It’s oval-shaped and not very large.
Photoo by Kartik.a.rokde
The ridges around the lake offer a 360-degree view of the ranges around. Peaks of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar, the Lahaul triangle between the Chandra and the Bhaga rivers and even the more distant mountains in Spiti can be seen from here. After the sun sets, it can get pretty cold and windy, so carry your woollens. On the other hand, the star-lit sky on a clear night is worth the stay. And with the vista of snow peaks shining in the moonlight, the day’s strenuous climb becomes a distant memory. Local tradition forbids camping near the lake but there is enough space to pitch tents a short distance from the lake. Choose a place with a good view.
DAY TWO
BHRIGU LAKE-GULABA DISTANCE 14 KM TIME 4-5 HOURS LEVEL EASY
Return on the same route and board a bus at Gulaba.
By Deepak Sanan
About the author: Deepak Sanan is an IAS officer, Himachal Pradesh cadre, who has trekked extensively in the state. His writings include a book on exploring Kinnaur and Spiti, as well as numerous articles about Himachal in magazines and books.
